#muscat shooting

[stormymind14]

A shooting took place in Imam Ali (a.s.) mosque yesterday in Muscat, Oman. The people in the mosque were peacefully mourning the eve of Ashura- the day of martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s.), the grandson of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), when all of a sudden 3 terrorists shot, killed and injured many Muslims present there.

As we all pray for palestine, please remember them in your prayers as well.

No one is free until everyone is free.

[srbachchan]

DAY 5953

Jalsa, Mumbai June 5, 2024 Wed 11:51 PM

🪔 ,

June 06 .. birthday greetings to Ef Serena Krishnan from Dubai 🇦🇪 .. Ef Sachin Kelkar from Muscat 🇴🇲 .. and Ef Marie .. 🙏🏻🚩❤️

💍.. wedding anniversary greetings to Ef Vijji .. completing 37 years of togetherness on June 6 .. our love and wishes .. 💐💕🙏🏻🚩❤️

Good night ..

😴

sometimes it is good to be in bed early for the shoot next day .

Love

Amitabh Bachchan

[metamorphiacreations]

I think that the events are happening in different timelines. The last TBD update alludes to that

Filler timeline

Canon timeline

first off, the "filler timeline" is called Cookie Run: Kingdom (for legal reasons this is a joke)

the last TBD update was meant to lead into this current update with Schneeball mentioning a dinosaur egg and now we in dino town and honestly it wouldnt make much sense to have an unannounced filler timeline within the story of OvenBreak imo

we know that Potato and Shine Muscat's update spans two years and during Sugar Swan's update Pilot and Whipped Cream travel around the world in more or less 80 days. during which, they meet Mala Sauce and her tribe so that specific meeting happened way before Longan woke up. from the sound of it, that meeting happened before Yam, Milk and Dino-Sour even got there bc thats what got the ball rolling on seeing the dragons.

its not super impossible for some of the events that launched between Longan's awakening and the clash of dragons to take place at the same time, Black Garlic couldve been exploring the school at the same time Rebel was helping out the Yakgwa village. maybe while Coffee Candy was starting her new job, Mocha Ray and Lobster were exploring Wandercrab or Roguefort was going into trial

i also dont wanna confuse "filler" for "non-diegetic"

the fashion week updates (specifically the 2nd one) and the wish camp updates were non-diegetic meaning that they were for audience only and had no true effects on the canon story because why and how would Longan agree to go see shooting stars with a bunch of cookies

that doesnt necessarily mean its a different timeline or that it even happened at a different point in time but just something to celebrate the games anniversary in a meta-storytelling like how the 5th anniversary was

i was confused on when things were happening in correlation to the dragons' stuff because i had thought Longan woke up and everything that followed happened over months at most not actual factual years

[borisbubbles]

Eurovision 2024: #24

24. DENMARK Saba - "Sand" 30th place

Decade Ranking: 87/153 [Above Fyr og Flamme, below Luke Black]

SAND! SAAAAAAAAAAAAAND!!!

You know the drill. We've arrived at the stage of "mostly enjoyable", and there's no better opener to that than "Sand". It's so delightfully average. Nothing but the recognisable sound of a "Scandinavian Eurovision song", something we all know and like to hear.

And its comes with a multipurpose hook too. Allow me to demonstrate:

FRANCE!!! FRAAAAAAAAAANCE!!!!

SCREAMING AT A MICROPHONE STAAAAAND

FRANCE!!! FRAAAAAAAAANCE!!!

I GUESS THAT ALL THE JURIES VOTE FOR FRANCE 😶

Of course "Sand" sounds like it comes out of a can (SPAM!!! SPAAAM!! BARELY MEAT THAT COMES OUT OF A CAN!), because it was one of those scandiblandi pop nothings that were bounced around internal selections for several years. (I hope you like those because I'm expecting 2025 to be infested with them) Remember how "Colours" was peddled first to Michela and then to Destiny to no avail, so that frumpy bat Bernarda was forced to sing it herself in the following Dora? ("NOW ALL I SEE IS COLOURS, YOU TOOK ME FROM BLACK AND WHITE" :is blind: ).

Likewise, the songwriters of "Sand" first tried to sell it to Emma Muscat when she tried to pivot away from "Out of Sight" before she chose "I am what I am" (MAN!!! MAAAAAN!!! I WILL TAKE ONE CUZ THAT'S HOW I AM!). Yep, an Emma Muscat hand-me-down, that's the level of Denmark at Eurovision right now. HOORAY for everyone who is not a Dane!!

So in that sense, it was the perfect match for DMGP, which was the usual depressing affair. So bad people were gravitating towards Basim cheerfully singing about a man dying from cirrhosis, an entry that demonstrated a near Israeli level of unselfawareness and moral corruption. But he lost (ANTS!!! AAAAAANTS! HIS HOPE HAS BEEN CRUSHED LIKE SOME ANTS! :victory dance: ) to Saba, and all was perfectly average in the world.

At Eurovision, I always assumed Saba would be in contention for a spot in the finale simply because of how catchy the hook and melody were. Unfortunately, Servephobia is a Scandinavian illness and both Melanie Webhe and Saba are patients.

Not that Saba didn't attempt to serve.... but um... judge for yourself:

work those armpit fetishists, girl! IMBUE them with the power of irate sexfaces! Like idk, it's "serving" in the same sense of "the headcanon slaying" you and I would do in our bedroom acting out these songs like the useless homos- Zorra stans that we all are. It looks great in your imagination but in reality, :eek: . Kind of how this year's Belgian entrant thought he nailed the performance each time yet never rose above a level of:

Also the staging, um... Look I know the song is called "Sand" and that she sings it's slipping through her hands, but everyone knows it's a metaphor? "Oh we've broken up? I guess that sucks :shrug:" Like the zoomer thing where life sucks I guess but it's not a big deal cuz we'll all die (eventually.)

So why make it so... (g)lit(t)eral?

Literally shooting cgi sand from her armpit in the last shot <3 told you this was aimed at fetishits <3 (PITS!!! PIIIITS!!! the hottest gay thing that ain't bara tids!).

What really killed Saba's chances at Eurovision was the staging. Sure the faces and subpar vocals were already... not helping. (they were entertaining me though, I'll give her that). Still. Denmark have proven once again that they have no ability whatsoever to discriminate good ideas from bad ones. They added so much shit to the NF's performance that made it look worse ♥ and fixed NONE of the issues ♥ The song's uptempo, and restricting Saba's movement to a space smaller than most countries' postal stamps may not have been the most prudent choice here (maybe i should add small platforms to the list of Massive Staging Faux Pas alongside sunglasses, unnecessary headset mics, selfie backdrops and turntables?)

Oh and one of those faux pas was ofc also present like why is this a shot?

YOU CAN SO CLEARLY SEE it isn't her. 😂 😍

Before rehearsals I was on the fence whether Denmark could qualify or not but as soon as I saw the tiktok that showed the backdrop clone and the effects I knew she was gonna be out. Oh well. Time to hop on the MALTA QUALIFIES train I gues.

All in all, "Sand" pretty much what you would expect from Denmark. An average, not unpleasant (and memeable) song that was somehow the only acceptable option in an horrible NF. They tried VERY hard to elevate into goodness, and completely failed. ♥ I love "Sand"'s journey ironically and kind unironically enjoy it for its incompetence, which makes it a good opener for this year's Green tier.

Btw: with Georgia, ☘Ireland☘ and ❤Latvia❤ all reaching the finals this year (EGGS! EEEEEEEGGS!!! DONS'S CLUTCH QUAL IS BETTER THAAAAN SEX!), Denmark now have the longest NQ streak out of all the active ESC countries. Cannae wait to see what creative new way they'll figure out to accedentally get level with Montenegro's as well. ♥

THE RANKING

[nightmyst14-blog]

Snippet for a fic I'm writing

Thanks to the discussion I had with @sammywolfgirl , and the ideas I got from @queen-rainy-love and @eclipsewarrior101 .... I'm writing a fic for Shine Muscat.

"Its gonna be called, "A secret date"

Here's a snippet!! Its a human Au, human names used.

Also for @sammywolfgirl , a special cowgirl makes an appearance.

Hope you enjoy!!

Shine Muscat Cookie- Marylin

Potato Cookie- Jedidiah

Potato Cookie's siblings- Ruphert, Yuki, Lil' Ruby, and Blanche

Rye Cookie- Rachel

---------------------------------

Her phone began to ring, looking up from her pillow. She groaned, praying it wasn't another photo shoot. With all of the events and meetups she had to do all week, she just wanted some alone time in bed.

She glanced at the screen, soon sitting up in excitement. It was Jedidiah, that kind potato farmer from the Healthy Hamlet. She had met him during the Giant Veggie festival and had become great friends. She always made sure to visit his farm whenever she stayed at her family’s farmhouse during the summer. 

She quickly made herself look presentable before answering the video call.

The farmer was sitting at his family table, looking to be cutting up potatoes and putting them in a bowl. The sound of his little siblings playing could be heard in the background along with the TV.. 

“ Howdy, Marylin!!” Jedidiah said, one of his iconic smiles on his face. Marylin felt a bit giddy. It made her heart flutter whenever he said her name. “My apologies if I am calling ya at a bad time.”

“ Hi, Jed. No, I’m not busy. “Marylin replied, brushing some of her hair back from her face. “I just got off work earlier. Ugh…I'm tired..”

“ Long day?” He asked.

“Yeah, I had 3 modeling sessions back to back right after I had practice for a scene in an upcoming movie.” She said, soon laying back down on her side. “ I truly do love my job, but I need a break sometimes.”

“ Can’t imagine being in your shoes, Marylin. I guess that makes sense why you like spending time here in the Hamlet, then. Be away from all of those city folk.”

Marlyin laughed a bit, looking at her phone. It was true. It was a blessing she was able to get her great aunt’s farmhouse under her name. Pretty sure her parents would rather forget about it, but she didn’t. Not focusing on being an actress and being able to wind down was amazing. Well, it was the only reason either. 

“I guess that’s true. Plus, its nice and quiet there.” Marylin said. “ How are your little siblings?”

Jedidiah chuckled a bit himself, leaning back in his seat. “ Rowdy as ever. Hey guys, come say to Marylin!!” He shouted into the living room.

Marylin laughed as she heard the pitter-patter of feet come closer, seeing 4 children try to fit into the camera. All tried to talk at once.

“ HI, Ms. Marylin!!!” Rupert said with a toothy grin.

“Are you sleeping? “ Asked little Blanche.

“When are you coming back to the farm?” Asked Yuki, sitting in Jedidiah’s lap.

“Yeah, big brother is showing us how to drive the tractor. Its fun riding around in it!” Said Lil' Ruby, patting the table.

“Hehe, hello you all. Are you all behaving for your big brother?” Marylin asked, getting a collective ‘yes” for the little ones.

“ When are you visiting??” Asked Yuki again, getting excited.

“ Maybe in the summer. I have to finish some work up here in the city.”

“ Maybe Big bro can help you!!!’ Said Lil’ Ruby. “ 

“Yeah!! He has to visit the city anyways!” Said Ruphert. “ Maybe he could help your with your acting job. Jedidiah is always helping people!!”

Jedidiah chuckled and shook his head, setting the Yuki down. “Now, I know who’s been snoopin’ on my phone calls.” He said, tickling the boy to make him giggle. “You all run along now.”

The 4 kids soon left as they came, leaving Marylin and Jedidiah alone to talk.

“Is that true?” Marylin asked.

“Hehe,yeah.. I got to drive up there to pick up some part for the tractor” He explain, rubbing the back of his neck.. Apparently some squirrel dropped some of their acorns in and messed up the engine. I tired looking for it here, but apparently they don't have what I need in stock at the moment. I already made the order, so now I just got to drive up to where you are to get it.”

“Sounds like an adventure.” Marylin replied.

“It’s definitely gonna be, gonna take me about 3 days roundtrip.. I don’t visit the city much. I prefer it here at home. “

She nodded, understanding what he meant. 

“W-well..” She spoke up. “ Do you want to meet up while you're up here? I can set you up a room in one of the hotels near me.”

Jedidiah looked a bit surprised. “ R-really?” He asked. “ Aw shucks, you don’t have to do all that ,Marylin..”

“No no , I insist.” The actress said, sitting up again in bed. “Jed, you and your family have always been so nice to me since I began to visit the Hamlet again. Helping me with chores, fixing that loud boiler once,  allowing me to come over for dinner sometimes… At least let me do this for you..”

She saw that the farmer looked a bit nervous, rubbing the back of his neck. Maybe she was being a bit forward? I mean, they were only friends. At least she thinks so?

“ Are.. Are you really sure about Marylin?” Jedidiah asked her, looking back at the screen. “ You mean it?”

Marylin nodded, giving him a smile. “ I’m sure of it. Consider it payment for all of the times you help me out.”

Jedidiah soon chuckled. “Well, it would be rude to deny a lady’s offer huh?” He joked, making Marylin laugh again.

“Hehe, I think so. What time are you coming in? “

“Should take me most of the day to get there. “

“Sounds good.” Marylin soon heard a knock in Jedidiah’s background, seeing him turn to look.

“ Cousin Rachel is here!!!” Said Ruby, running past Jedidiah to hug a person offscreen.

“Rachel?” Asked Marylin. 

“ My cousin on my Ma’s side. She's going to be babysitting my little sibling while I'm gone. " Jedidiah said, soon headlocked by a blonde haired woman with freckles.

“ Ay!! You talkin’ about me??” The woman said with a grin, ruffling the farmer’s hat and hair.

“Rach, I’m on call with someone!!” Jedidiah protested, wenching himself out of her grip..

“Oh! You talkin’ to your girlfriend??” Rachel said, looking at the screen. "Hi, the name's Rachel. So, my cousin proposed yet?? He talks about ya a lot, you know-"

" RACHEL!!!

[bakersstreetirregulars]

CROB Headline, March 2023 - Special Season: Lights, Camera, Action!

This month, we’re going to the movies for CROB’s first Special Season and to see the production of Butter Squid Cookie’s newest movie!

Dates: 2/28 - (TBD)

Title Event: Ready, Cookie, Action!

Tragedy strikes again as Popcorn Cookie, the winner of a recent Golden Ticket contest held by the promotional committee of Jellywood, visits the filming site of the newest movie directed by Jellywood’s own Butter Squid Cookie. The movie’s lead actress was said to have declared unable to shoot for unknown reasons, bringing production to a standstill. In response, Butter Squid Cookie is said to have considered Choco Bar Cookie- the lead’s stunt double- as a replacement for the missing actress, but it’s currently unknown if she’ll accept the role.

⚙️ This event is inferred to be a template rerun of the title events held since November 2023. A proposal for a standardized guide has been approved for future publication.

Seasonal Modes

Friendly Run Buddies

Guild Run - Lights, Camera, Action!

Raid Run - Desert Highwaymantis Season 3 (?)

Trophy Survival (Ends ~3/6)

Team Fight (Early March)

Random Breakout Challenge - Lustrous Longan Palace (Coming Late March)

Cookie & Gacha Features

🎬🍫 Choco Bar Cookie (Epic Cookie)

The lead’s stunt double for Butter Squid Cookie’s latest movie. Press Jump -> Slide or double-tap Slide to perform a stunt that destroys obstacles and scores points. Her Magic Candy adds a finishing move to her stunts, creating Nutty Choco Bar Fragment Jellies

Nougat Wound-Aid (Epic Pet)

Choco Bar Cookie’s Pet since her days in stunt school. This Pet creates Bandages that score points and restore Energy.

Munch-Munch Popcorn (Epic Treasure)

A staple of every in-theatre movie! This Treasure periodically creates Popcorn Mix Jellies.

Choco Bar Cookie’s “Gunfight at the O.Cake Corral” (Super Epic Costume)

The stunt double’s outfit for Western-style movie scenes during a film shoot at the O.Cake Corral. It wouldn’t be a surprise if you thought she was the sheriff after seeing her ride across the pastures atop a Choco Horse!

Shine Muscat Cookie’s “Icon of the Age” (Epic Costume)

Director Q’s “A Fan’s Perspective” (Epic Costume)

Shine Muscat Cookie’s movies always seem to outdo her previous works. Paparazzi and magazine interviewers seem to follow these two wherever they go…!

Habanero Cookie’s “Cheese Mine Dwarf” (Rare Gem Costume)

Flamebeak Robin’s “On-set Dynamo” (Rare Gem Costume)

Blue Slushy Cookie’s “Dessert Forest Elf” (Rare Gem Costume)

Icy Birdie’s “Cinematic Songster” (Rare Gem Costume)

Fellowship of the Jelly Lobby Design

Behold, the latest promotional material for the latest rendition of the first episode of the “The Lord of the Jellies” series: “The Fellowship of the Jelly” featuring Habanero Cookie, Blue Slushy Cookie, their pets, and even the stage! Buy them in the Gem Exchange Center!

“Keep Running, Keep Going” Jelly Shape Set (Epic Jelly Shapes)

The cast and crew of Action Bear Jellies striving for the perfect take!

—————————— Part 2 ⬇️

🎞️🧈 Butter Squid Cookie (Epic Cookie)

The director of a new Jellywood movie held back by production delays.

Popcorn Cookie’s “Sprinkle Pop-Pop Land” (Super Epic Costume)

A special outfit Popcorn Cookie arranged for her trip to Jellywood, where dreams come true!

“Gleam of Love” Jelly Set (Legendary? Jelly Set)

Would it pair well with Sugar Swan Cookie’s new Costume?

Major Update Features

New Breakout Mode - Solo play at your leisure

Run through every Breakout Episode released so far in order (Escape From the Oven -> City of the Millennial Tree -> Black Sugar Pirate Ship -> Sands of Yogurca -> City of Wizards -> Lost City of Sugarteara -> Spooky Spider Mansion -> Fragrant Lotus Paradise -> Lustrous Longan Palace -> Sands of Yogurca II: Secrets of Mirage Village -> Deep Sea City Wandercrab)

Use a different level-capped combi in each stage

Reach a score objective to unlock the next stage

Completions will often reward Gold Gems, Cookies, and Pets

Some stages grant keys to open special chests or locked books (see the City of Wizards) for greater rewards

Finishing certain episodes will add a rank to your profile

Does not reset weekly, so play at your pace

Main and Special Episodes will stay where they are after the update

Random Challenges will be moved to a separate heading on the mode selection screen

New Special Episode: Jellywood - Go through the various stages of Jellywood and collect Coins in four different movie genres!

Special Episodes from here onward will be recast as Coin Episodes

Remember Black Sugar Pirate Ship and Spooky Spider Mansion? It’s that kind of Coin Episode.

Special Coin items like the Coin Party (which turns coins into Star Coins worth more points and coins) will appear starting with this Episode

Bonus Events

Special Draw Returns! Open boxes by playing the game and get lots of free stuff!

Now Featuring the Surprise Exchange Shop, where past cosmetics are in stock and ready to sell!

Buddy Event Part III: Buttercream Choco Cookie’s Return

Earn Buddy Points by playing in an event to get Buttercream Choco Cookie, Coffee Cookie, Rainbow Cubes, and much more!

[jellycrusher]

Distance pt. 2

INITIALLY POSTED ON MY FORMER PAGE: bts-teaspoonff

Genre: Romance, Oblivious Mutual Pining, Operation:Jealousy, College!AU, eventual smut

Pairing: Jimin x reader

Rating: PG-13 (last chapter - M rating)

Synopsis: You adore Jimin but you’ve kept it a secret from him despite being so close to him. Jimin turns out that he feels the same. Would you be able to erase the distance between you and Jimin when mountains of obstacles come both your way?

Word count: 6.9k

PARTS: 1 | 2 | 3

(A/N) Wait for the next and last chapter for the *ehem* smut. I’ll work hard on the last part of this series to give a good smut for OC and Jimin. Enjoy!

What just happened?

You lay on your bed staring blankly at the ceiling trying to comprehend what a whirlwind of a night this was. The night actually started on a good note as you remember having a great time with Jimin. The night felt stretched out the whole time you were together and then suddenly, everything went by in a blur. Last thing you remember was Hoseok dropping you back home and then dropping a bomb by confessing to you.

“Shoot. I didn’t plan to confess this way to you.” Hoseok’s arms stretched out and hands on your shoulders. His heart is about to explode in his chest realizing the bad timing of his confession but then, he looked straight at you to convey his seriousness. “But I mean it.”

As you scan the various Polaroid photos on the wall above your study while still lying on the bed, you noticed that majority of them would be with the boys. They would always ask you to bring the Polaroid wherever event you and the boys would go to. Sometimes, they would ask Jungkook to just steal it in your room without even asking you. The photos you have stuck on the wall are the ones you bargained to keep.

There are various photos of Jungkook pranking his older band members, Taehyung and Jimin’s abundant selfies and group selfies where you would be squished in the middle of the boys crowded your white wall. Your relationship with these boys were so unexpected but now you consider it as your most treasured relationship. Maybe that’s why you’re also scared to confess to Jimin. You don’t want to ruin the perfect harmony within the group. If you risk confessing and he doesn’t feel the same way about you, both of you would be awkward around each other then everyone will eventually feel it. Your fingers tremor at the thought of you losing these boys. 

When Hoseok confessed, you couldn’t really speak a word. You were absolutely flustered, surprised and baffled. Hoseok felt it too as he tries to read your expression. He expressed that he wasn’t asking for your response right away but he told you to think about his confession. Hoseok was always an older brother figure to you and you haven’t seen him as someone more than a friend. However, when you think back on his confession and the way he wrapped his arms around you that time, your chest felt like a furnace burning at the thought.

You really didn’t get to drink a lot at the party since the night was cut short due to the mishap with that damn pervert. You wiggled out of bed on top of the sheets, walked out of your room and towards the kitchen. You pry opened a small cabinet in the hope of having a bottle of wine to chug. Luckily, it still had one bottle of your favorite Muscat wine. It’s lonely to drink alone but you felt like you needed a glass of this wonderful temptress.

You poured one into a wine glass as you sat on your favorite tall stool in front of the kitchen counter. You pulled a plate of cheese and crackers that you took out from the fridge towards you and played your favorite RnB music on your phone that is connected to your Bluetooth speaker at the edge of the counter. The ambience in the kitchen changed and you felt yourself swaying to the sweet music that is slowly filling the house. You turned up the music without any regards to your neighbors that might be sleeping. A tug in your chest startled you as you remember that if not because of the pervert, you should be dancing beside Jimin right now or enjoying the night with him.

An hour passed and you finished the whole bottle of Muscat wine as you try to pour the remaining drops in your glass. You jumped off the stool and your legs went jelly. You were starting to get a bit intoxicated but you were determined to find another bottle inside the cabinets. Your dad might have hidden a bottle or two at the back of the cabinets for their consumption. He knows that you love Muscat wine and they do too. You would always steal one from their stash and you discovered that there are bottles hidden across the kitchen to at least protect it from your sticky hands.

You took the stool and stood on it to look for any valuable bottles on the topmost cabinets. After a few minutes and a few empty cabinets, the doorbell rang and it startled you that the chair shook and almost toppled you over. You climbed down the stool and walked away from the kitchen. A peek through the peephole on the door and you saw Jungkook between Taehyung and Jimin with his head down and arms around the two. You quickly opened the door as you worry for your brother and ushered them inside. The three of them walked in and you close the door behind them. A swift whiff of the air around them welcomed you with a strong scent of alcohol. Jungkook’s face was scarlet red, a telltale sign that he’s had too much. Taehyung’s shirt had essences of someone’s vomit, presumably my brother’s. Jimin’s cheeks and ears were red as well but I know that Jimin can handle his alcohol very well and the fact that he can support Jungkook without sway means that he’s tipsy but okay. 

“Help him upstairs. Taehyung, take a shower and just borrow a shirt from his closet.” Taehyung must have not drank a lot since I can’t really smell anything on him. He fixed Jungkook’s arm around his neck as he looks down on his shirt with disgust. Jimin giggled at his best friend having a hard time contemplating if he will help Jungkook to his bed or perform a suplex right now on my brother for vomiting on his sleek shirt. You watch Taehyung and Jimin struggle with helping a very stubborn and noisy Jungkook up the stairs and disappear as they enter the bedroom. 

Back to looking for another bottle, you climbed up the stool and held unto the handles of the next topmost cabinet you are eager to search through. After rows of fine china and extra plates, a small glimmer at the back of the cabinet finally tickled your interest. A hope of another hidden treasured bottle now in view excites you. Your hand reaches out to the back of the cabinet but even if you wiggle out your fingers, it’s still out of reach. Carefully, you place your other foot onto the counter and stepped off the stool. You try to reach for it once again and your fingers met the neck of the bottle. You slowly withdraw your hand out the cabinet when someone suddenly called out for your name. You were so startled by the sudden noise that your other foot slipped off the counter. You weren’t able to reach out to a surface in time to save yourself from falling so instead, you tightly hugged the bottle that was in your hands.

Closed eyes as you fall off the counter and you were met by a loud grunt from someone as two arms cradled you from falling. Your hands are still tightly wrapped around the bottle and your brows are strongly furrowed. “You would prefer to save the wine rather than yourself?” You heard a familiar giggle and his scent slowly enveloped your nose. You opened your eyes and looked up to see Jimin’s face so dangerously close to yours. You got a close look at Jimin’s pink luscious lips and slightly blushed-out cheeks and ears. Even though he smells slightly of alcohol, he still smells like a fresh spring meadow basked in warm sunlight. For years, this familiar scent has always comforted you. You would always sneak in a sniff whenever he’s around and you would be instantly comforted.

Jimin felt warm at the sight that your face was so close to him. He was delighted that you are now around his arms, the first instance that he held you this close. He had longed to hold you like this for so long. He gazes at your lips and he examines your face. He could see that your doe eyes were also scanning him tenderly, a sight so precious that it made his heart pound so hard. He also finds you hugging the bottle in your arms with all your strength so adorable that he restrains himself from pinching your red cheeks. He was now confused seeing your red cheeks and slightly droopy eyelids that his eyes went straight to the counter. He could see an empty bottle beside your glass and a half-eaten tray of cheese and crackers. “Are you drinking on your own? Are you drunk right now?” He faced you and you adorably nod. You slowly buried your face in Jimin’s chest, a gesture that you unconsciously did because you wanted more of your favorite scent. Jimin was now aroused at the way you wiggle and bury your head in his chest slightly near the crook of his neck. Your scent was now intoxicating to him. He could only gulp as he try to hold back at this moment from taking advantage of the situation and kiss you. He has been holding out from escalating anything between the both of you and now, you’re just dangerously testing his limits. 

He quickly walks to your stool with you still cradled in his arms. He slowly dropped you to sit on the stool and took the bottle that was locked in your arms to place it on the table. “If you were already drunk, you shouldn’t be climbing on top of any counter. That’s dangerous.” He sat on another stool beside you and faced you as he lean his elbow on the counter.

“I’m not yet drunk. Just tipsy. I only had one bottle. Besides, I got lonely that I didn’t get to drink with you guys.” You bit your lower lips and pouted. At this point, Jimin thought you are now intentionally testing his self-control. How your red dress hugs your curves and the skirt slightly riding up your thighs, a sight to behold but it made him remember how that pervert from the party attempted to place his filthy hands on your thighs. He clenches his hands as he regret to be the one who saved you instead of Hoseok. He wanted you for himself. The sight of you driving away in Hoseok’s car made his heart drop. He wanted to be the one in Hoseok’s place. “Care to join me on the porch?” You stood up from the stool with two glasses and the bottle of wine in each hand and walked away from the kitchen. Jimin broke away from his thoughts and stood up from the chair to follow you.

You try to open the door with your arms as your hands are full from the glasswares but Jimin quickly catches up in front of you and turns the doorknob. A strong cold breeze hugged you as you walk outside to the porch. The moonlight was brightly shining in the sky that it made the night more intimate. You head to the small couch on the corner of the porch with Jimin following behind you. You hand him a glass and you poured wine in yours as you sit down. He took the bottle from your hands once you were done. His hands slightly grazed yours, a warm touch in contrast to the chilly evening breeze.

“I thought you were supposed to sleep at Hoseok’s?”

“Change of plans.” Jimin can’t admit that he convinced Taehyung to drive all of them home so that he could see you again and his curiosity is killing him all night whether Hoseok has confessed to you or not since Taehyung told him that he would do it tonight. He didn’t want to ask you directly but he’s hoping that you might mention it to him if Hoseok did confess to you. “At least you have a drinking companion right now.”

“Yeah. I guess I do need one.” You took a sip of your wine and Jimin was hopeful you would blurt out what happened between you and Hoseok when you two were alone together. He recall Hoseok’s face when he came back to the party. His face was red as he rush towards Taehyung. They just exchanged glances and seem to have understood each other without saying anything out loud. Jimin figured that Hoseok must’ve confessed to you when he dropped you off at home based on the change with his demeanor. 

“A few more months and we’re finally graduating. In no time, we’ll also be working like Namjoon and Hoseok.” You stare out towards the dark sparkling sky. The stars are visible tonight, abundantly occupying the vast sky above. The moon was also enchantingly glowing behind a ball of cloud. Being in this moment with Jimin was a first for both of you. There were a few moments where you were alone with Jimin especially when you were still partners for the report but not once was there a moment as solemn as this. Despite not exchanging any words, being in each other’s presence and savoring this rare moment was enough for you. You steal a few glances towards his direction and he looks so fine-looking as his Adam’s apple ride up and down as he sips from his glass. He combs his fingers through his hair as he looks at the night sky.

“I don’t want to lose any of you.” Jimin blurted out with a melancholic tone. You swiftly turn your head to him at his words as you nervously gulped down a sip of your wine. “I guess eventually we’ll all head in different directions. I love spending time with all of you and I cherish all those moments. I just can’t imagine that we’ll barely spend time together once we get our own jobs.” He put down his glass on his thighs and looks at you.

“That’s reality. I share the same sentiment as you but I have to accept that everyone’s going to be busy and will have their own life outside of our circle.” You finished your glass and poured another. “We just have to talk to everyone whenever we would like to meet up and hangout.” You beamed a huge smile at Jimin and he finds it adorable. 

“Will you be staying here in town after graduation? I mean find a job here?”

“I guess. I have no reason to leave town.”

You spend the next hour with Jimin outside the porch as you both finish the bottle. Jimin’s alcohol tolerance was higher than you so after almost two bottle of wine, you were a lot drunk now compared to earlier. Jimin also noticed that your eyes started to get significantly hooded so he offered to walk you up to your room. He held and supported you as both of you walked inside the house. Taehyung walked out of Jungkook’s room now fresh out of the shower and is wearing Jungkook’s clothes.

“She’s also drunk? Geez, these siblings really are a handful when drunk.” Jimin tried to shush Taehyung as he supports you up the stairs.

“I am not drunk. Just tipsy.” You refute in a slurred tone as you barely keep your body straight when you lift one feet up to the next step.

“Okay okay.” Taehyung surrendered as he leans both of his elbow on the railing. His hair was still wet and dripping. He tries to shake his head and some of the water splashed on you and Jimin. Jimin exclaimed and Taehyung apologized but was amused at your slow reaction. “Both you and Jungkook are so adorable and defenseless when drunk though. Be careful not to be taken advantage by anyone.” He stared at Jimin and teasingly winked. Jimin also teasingly scoffed at Taehyung and urged him to go back to Jungkook’s bedroom.

Jimin opens the door and you ran to your bed, slamming yourself on the sheets face up. Jimin noticed that your skirt rode up your thighs and from where he was standing at the door, he almost saw what was underneath your skirt. Aroused at what he saw but he quickly turned his head away in a second. As he steps inside your room, you stretch out both of your arms in front of you and towards the ceiling.

“Can you please pass me Mini?” with your eyes still closed, your hands still up in the air started opening and closing as if trying to gesture to Jimin to quickly give you something.

“Who?”

“Mini. The stuffed calico cat.” You pointed towards your beanbag with eyes closed. Jimin chuckles at your state right now. Although he’s been with you to some parties, the effect of wine and other booze differs with you. When you’re wine-drunk, you turn into this adorable clingy little girl but when you’re liquor-drunk, it’s like a 180 degree change from your slightly quiet demeanor to being a loud and energetic partygoer. He recalls that you like to rap with Hoseok and Namjoon when you’re liquor-drunk. He likes when you’re wine-drunk but he usually dislikes it when you become clingy to other guys in the band. He told you once to avoid drinking wine when you’re with other people (aside from the guys in the band) without telling his reason for doing so. 

Jimin pulled Mini from the beanbag and hands it out to you. Instead of Mini, you caught Jimin’s wrist and to Jimin’s surprise, you strongly pulled him towards you that he loses his balance. Jimin fell towards the bed but he supported himself just in time to stop his body from slamming unto you. Fortunately, Mini the stuffed calico cat got in between the two of you or else, Jimin’s lips would have landed on your cheek. You were still heavily intoxicated from the wine so you don’t realize that it was Jimin that you pulled. All you thought was that Jimin was so slow from giving Mini to you that when something came in contact with your hand, you yanked it with all your might. You grinned as you feel Mini’s softness now on your chest. You turned to the side and tried to hug Mini but instead, you hugged Jimin closer to you. Your leg also wrapped itself on Jimin’s legs.

Jimin was now flustered at how fast everything went by. Your arms and legs are now wrapped around him. He could almost feel his limit snap from how you were acting around him. The heat from your legs was now warming up his lower body. Something was growing under his pants and he couldn’t hide it anymore. His erected member was now standing attention under the tent of his pants. He pushes his hips away from you to avoid you. He took a slow deep breath to regain his composure. Once he did relax, he gazed at how defenseless you are resting in front of him. You were breathing slowly while cuddling Mini on your chest and your limbs are peacefully around on his body. 

“You are not allowed to be this wine-drunk with anyone else but me. Not even Hoseok-hyung.” He tucks a stubborn hair strand behind your ear and gazes at you.

“Okay.” You softly replied and Jimin was surprised to hear you respond. You only blurted a response but you weren’t aware of your surroundings. You were half-asleep at this point and has started to dream that you are out on a date with Jimin.

“Are you still awake?” Jimin asks but you didn’t reply. “Doesn’t matter if you can hear me or not. I won’t hand you over to anyone.” Jimin slowly frees himself from your embrace. He kneels down at the edge of your bed, looking at your face. You continue to hug Mini tighter in your arms. “You really do look beautiful tonight, y/n.” he caresses your cheek for a few seconds before standing up. He took a blanket to place on top of you and walked to the door. He glanced back once more at you comfortably resting on the bed before closing the door.

…..

You woke up from a gentle knock on the door. The bright light peeking through your curtains blinded you so you hid your head under the blanket. Another knock from the door was heard and someone called for you against the crevice of the door. 

“We made breakfast downstairs. Um, you can come down if you’re awake.” Jimin’s gentle voice echoed against the door, tickling your ears. What a nice way to wake up. If only you could always wake up to his voice every morning. You try to get up from bed but a sudden wave of headache caused you to grunt from the pain. 

You try to remember what happened last night but you can’t remember how you arrived on your comfy bed that is still tempting you right now to stay in it. A vague memory of Taehyung in Jungkook’s clothes standing against the railings and Jimin walking beside you. Aside from that, everything is a blank. Here’s to hoping that you didn’t made a fool of yourself or left your dignity lying on the floor somewhere.

You saw your disheveled reflection from the floor-length mirror across your room. A few wavy and short hair strands occupied your forehead and the rest of your hair that was bundled in a tie was now a hot mess. You brushed your fingers through your locks to tame the morning mess and ran it across your dress to flatten the crumples. You were still drowsy and annoyed by the headache but you hurriedly rummaged through the t-shirt pile that was on your chair. Going downstairs looking like how you are now is a big no-no. There were a lot of instances that they saw your morning face when the band had frequent sleepovers after late night practices. You and everyone were basically comfortable with each other already that you treat them like family but as the only girl in the group and with the presence of Jimin, you made sure that you still look good even in the morning.

You pulled a big white shirt over your head and properly pulled it until you looked like you’re wearing a dress. Quietly stepping out of the room, you noticed the smell of bacon and pancakes engulfing every corner of the house. You skipped down the steps and saw the three of them sitting around the dining table. All of them turned their head towards your direction. Taehyung was gladly taking a huge bite off a pancake that he rolled filled with strawberry jam and cream while Jungkook was slicing up the eggs that was on his plate. Jimin was putting down a plate on the vacant space beside him and he gestured you to seat on the unoccupied chair.

“Who did the cooking?” You asked as you scan the faces of the three boys. Taehyung raised his hand as he chew and his cheeks are now bulging, filled with pancakes.

“He cooked the pancakes. He was supposed to use your waffle maker but he kept burning it all so I urged him to just make pancakes. I did the eggs.” Jimin stood up to take an egg from another plate and placed it yours. “Over-hard eggs just the way you like it.” You were in awe that he remembered how you like to eat your eggs in the morning. Usually it was Hoseok and Taehyung who did the cooking whenever everyone would eat together. Hoseok would be the one to separate all the over-hard eggs from the over-easy eggs on the plate. 

“Thank you Jimin.” You sat down, staring at him. He caught you looking and he sends a huge charming smile at you. “You good?” You turn to your brother that was silently eating his breakfast. You pat his head as he pouts.

“Good. Just a bad case of hangover… and my back hurts.” He glared at Taehyung. Taehyung laughs as he teasingly smacked your brother’s shoulder.

“I did umm… I accidentally pushed him off the bed while we were sleeping. Yup! That’s what happened.” Taehyung nervously laughed. He tried to kick Jungkook’s feet under the table and raised his other eyebrow to send a message to Jungkook.

“How about you? No headache?” Jimin asks.

“Slight but it’s tolerable.” You cut up your pancakes and generously drizzled syrup on it.

As you were about to ask Jimin about what happened last night, the doorbell surprised all of you. Someone started knocking and Hoseok’s voice came from the door. Taehyung quickly gets up to get the door and then Hoseok cheerfully skipped from the door to the kitchen while carrying a plastic bag on one hand. He stood beside Jungkook and teased him from being so drunk last night. Your cheeks started to get hot as you remember his confession last night.

Jimin noticed that you turned your head away and avoided Hoseok’s eyes. He looked back at Hoseok and there was something different about the two of you. Hoseok haven’t greeted you yet as he try to make conversations with the three boys. Jimin wondered what was going on between you and Hoseok and then he realized that Hoseok must have really confessed to you last night considering how shy you are right now that Hoseok is in the house. He felt slightly irritated and that a knot in his chest was now all Jimin could feel. 

Hoseok pulled out a reusable bowl from the plastic bag and put it in the middle of the table. He takes off the lid and told us that he made some hangover soup. Jungkook and Taehyung got excited at the sight of the still-hot scrumptious soup in front of them. Jungkook stood up from his seat and excitedly ran back to the kitchen to get bowls for all of you. Taehyung was sniffing the steam off the soup as he drools.

“You’ll drool on the soup, Tae.” Jimin laughs as he pushed Taehyung away from the small bowl.

Hoseok then walked around the table towards you. You nervously chewed your pancakes as your eyes follow him from your peripheral view. By now, Hoseok must’ve noticed how silent you are since he arrived. You don’t want him to think that you’re avoiding him but you really don’t know what to do or say to him. He pulled out something from the bag and reached out to you as he stood beside you.

“Here.” You try to read the label and it says vitamin drink. You felt bad that you actually thought to try avoid talking to him today when he went out of his way to give you a hangover drink. You lift up your head to look directly at him as you take the drink off his hands.

“Thank you Hoseok. I appreciate it.” You smiled and he did too. He looks relieved that you accepted the drink and smiled caringly at him after he saw you avoid his gaze when he entered the house. He then gave out the same drinks to the other boys. Jungkook and Taehyung were now greedily scooping out the soup to their bowls. You chuckle at how silly those two look. “You shouldn’t have bothered to cook.”

“No worries. I felt bad that Jungkook came home that drunk and besides, my cooking skills got a lot better after I started working. I just want to brag.” His usual sunshine-like energy was back as he walk back around the table. He pulled out the chair beside Taehyung and sat down.

Jimin was silently eating his breakfast as he observes the two of you. Just a moment ago, you were sitting down getting all timid but now he feels as if you’re openly flirting with Hoseok in front of him. Ever since Taehyung told him that Hoseok would be confessing to you, he felt uneasy that he might have lost his chance to confess to you. He respects Hoseok very much that he feels torn if he can still flirt with you or make advances at you. He was now burning with jealousy, a feeling that was now eating him up as he goes through his breakfast.

…..

A week has passed since that eventful night. Buried in your lectures and exams, you didn’t get to see anyone from the group that much. Jungkook barely came out of his room as he prepare for his exams. Sometimes, Taehyung would visit him to help him study until late at night but you were also busy locked up in your room so you didn’t get to see either of them. Jimin was also often out of sight. He would stay in the library until it closes then he’ll hangout with Taehyung to write the song for Gala Night. Hoseok hasn’t contacted you either. Your girl friends are also busy studying on their own. 

Understandable that all of the seniors in the campus are busier than ever. We have approximately one month before graduation until we go out in the real world. Job applications are looming in the distance. You have some companies in mind to which you intend to apply and it’s nerve-wracking to think that in a few weeks’ time, everyone would start applying and compete for job offerings like vicious dogs.

Your study table is filled with stacks of books to read. Looking at it makes you want to gouge your eyes out but you’re determined to make it out there in the real world without worries. A paper lying on the corner of your table also caught your attention. A blank paper intended for your ideas on the band’s song for Gala Night. Love, that’s supposed to be the theme surrounding the song. A theme you’re not really well-versed in composing. Writing love songs hasn’t really been your forte and have tried a thousand times but you never really made one that resonated with anyone, much less you. You have picked up a pen this week to try and start even a few words but it comes off bland. Thinking back on it, you imagine Taehyung and Jimin trying to beg you to help them with the song but you don’t want to disappoint them if you’ll admit that you can’t compose even one decent love song. The both of them told you that they’re really trying to make the song but you haven’t heard an update from them.

That night before the weekend, you got frightened with a loud ringtone from your phone across the room. You turn around in your chair and saw your phone screen light up as it continues to ring on your bed sheet. You take a few seconds to get to your phone and when you grabbed it off your bed, Hoseok’s name was on the screen. This was the first time he called you since after his confession. Taking a deep breathe before picking up the call, you heard his jolly voice on the line the instant you answered the call. Even without seeing him, you could imagine the usual smile Hoseok has. You suddenly felt lifted up from the change of energy.

“What’s up?” you went back to your table with your phone against your ear.

“You busy?” he asks.

“Just about to take a break from studying. Exams are coming up.” You take your phone off your ear and lean it against your phone stand just in front of you as you put the call on speaker mode.

“Oh final exams? I get shivers remembering our last month in college.” He chuckles. I smile at the way we talk through the phone, as if the awkwardness between us last week didn’t happen. “Which reminds me the reason why I called.”

Your pen ran across your notepad as you listen to the call. “Did something happen?”

“No. I called because…” A pause between his words caught your attention. “I wanted to ask you out. This weekend. I know you’re busy so you can decline if you need to.” You froze from writing as his words register in your mind. Both of you stayed silent as you panic at the thought of trying to come up with a response.

“Sure. I intend to take a day-off from studying anyways.” The tremble in your voice would have been obvious if Hoseok was observant. You just hope he didn’t notice it.

“Really? Okay, meet me tomorrow at XX café at 10 am. I won’t take up much of your time.” The excitement from him radiated across the call. You admit to yourself that the thought of going out on a date with Hoseok shakes your nerves but hearing him so happy slightly eases your nerves. Maybe it will be nothing different from how you guys spend time together with the other boys. The only difference is that you know he likes you and sees you as a woman and not just a friend anymore.

The call ended quickly and you’re back to staring at your books on the table. Despite being on the phone with Hoseok just moments ago, Jimin suddenly filled your thoughts. You hoped that it was him who called and invited you out on a date. Seeing his eyes squint and the way he throws his body when he’s laughing hard amuses you every time. You love how comfortable he goofs around with you when you’re alone together. You now felt bad from thinking about Jimin out on a date with you when it was Hoseok who asked you out.

As if on cue, Jimin’s name suddenly appeared on the screen of your phone as you were thrown off from your seat with the loud ringtone. You pick the phone swiftly, in contrast to the way you took your time as you answer Hoseok’s call.

“Hey. What’s up?”

“Hey. Am I interrupting you from anything?” His calm voice tickled you as you press the phone against your ears.

“No. I’m just resting. Why did you call?” You try to tone down the excitement from your voice.

“Nothing much. I just wanted to check up on you.” You felt as if you were floating across your room as you hear from him that he was checking up on you. Your cheeks started to get hot and your breath is getting ragged. “Are you free on Sunday?” The dryness in your throat felt prickly as you anticipate his next words.

“I think so, yeah. Why?” The thought of him asking you out might now be a reality but you try not to expect too much.

“A new café opened in town and I think you’re going to like it there. I know you love trying out new coffee shops. Want to try it with me?” He calmly asks. Your smile was so wide that it can almost touch your ears. 

“Looking forward to it.” He let out an adorable giggle as you take up on his offer.

“See you on Sunday!” you shriek as you hung up the call.

Once again, you’re back to staring at your books. A soft slap landed on your cheeks and you realize that you’re not dreaming. You are torn on being excited and worried for tomorrow and the next day. The two of them surely doesn’t know that they both asked you out tonight. You worry if you need to inform the two of them but not letting them know surely won’t hurt anyone. Besides, it’s not like you are exclusively allowed to go out with just one. It might just be a friendly date and nothing more.

“Noona!” Jungkook’s sudden loud voice and barrage of knocks against your wall adjacent to his room suddenly interrupted you from your thoughts. You almost scoff at him from doing so but only giggles came out of you.

…..

It’s Saturday. The signage of the café in front of you seems larger compared to when you recall it. This was a familiar spot as you spent a lot of days in here just to compose songs with Namjoon, study alone or just hang out with the boys. The cheesecake that they offer here is to die for and the baristas know how much you love it that they know your order without a need for you to talk. The chatter inside the cafe greeted you as the door opens. Hoseok was sitting in the far corner, the spot that you always go to. A spot that was slightly hidden from the main space of the café.

You tread through the café and he spots you instantly. Somehow, it didn’t feel weird that you’re out with Hoseok. He has been a source of joy in the group and he never ceases to lift up the mood. You were worried that with the change of pace between the two of you, you won’t be the same around him. However, you feel relaxed around him.

He accompanies you to a movie theater showing a film that you’ve been waiting to watch. He wanted you to take a breather and hope that this can at least lighten up your mood. You realize that he must have been observant with you for a long time. Hoseok has always been the “mother” who takes care of everyone in the group and maybe more with you since you’re the only girl among the boys. You just saw him as very caring person and never thought his actions meant beyond platonic.

Hoseok made sure to be considerate with your feelings. He doesn’t want to rush anything with you. Before he realized his feelings with you, he also saw you as a little sister like how you saw him as an older brother. When he started to acknowledge his attraction with you, he made sure to be subtle. Now that he confessed to you, he was aware that you started to get nervous around him. You were still warming up at the thought that both of you are out on a date and not just a friendly hangout. He wanted to hold your hands during the movie every time your hands would be on the armrest or when you would get some popcorn in the snack bucket between the two of you. He wanted to be careful with you and not overwhelm you.

The movie ended and you were relieved that it’s done. You were comfortable during the first part of the film but midway when you noticed Hoseok’s hands inching near yours, you could almost wet a tissue from how sweaty your palms are with how anxious you are at that moment. You were internally panicking if you should let him or not. Thankfully he just grazed yours and stopped when he noticed that you slightly pulled your hand away as you were startled.

The light were on and everyone started walking out of the cinema. Your eyes were starting to adjust to the bright lights as you exit the doors. Hoseok was just behind you as you try to look around for the restroom when he called out Jimin’s name. You turn your head as you search the vicinity for Jimin. There he was lining up for the popcorn stand.

Jimin still hasn’t noticed you but he heard Hoseok as he turns his head towards him. Hoseok cheerfully skipped to him but he stopped a few feet away from him. You wondered why Hoseok stopped from his tracks as you noticed a small body frame beside Jimin. It still didn’t register to you who it was as you can only see someone’s backside.

A skirt and long black hair. It registered to you that a girl was beside Jimin. She was not just standing but she was wrapping her arms around Jimin’s. You froze as your heart sank thinking that Jimin’s out with a girl. A movie theater and Jimin’s lining up for the popcorn. He’s surely out on a date with the girl beside him. Your heart sank further at the thought. You wanted to run away.

Jimin’s eyes met with yours. His eyes travelled to you and back to Hoseok. He realized that you were out on a date with Hoseok. The same familiar feeling that bothered him during the breakfast after the party welled up inside him. A small part of his heart broke imagining you and Hoseok. As he tries to shove off the girl’s arm around him, he was surprised to see you walking away which was also noticed by Hoseok. He wanted to catch up to you to explain everything but he stopped as he recall that the last thing he saw was your eyes. A sadness that he can’t paint was evident in your eyes just before you turned around and walked away. He knows that chasing you now won’t do anything.

You wanted to get away from the cinema as fast as you can. Just imagining Jimin with another girl broke your heart. You didn’t have a right to get jealous but that was all you could think of right now and it’s eating you up. If only you could hide in a corner.

Next: pt. 3

[beardedmrbean]

VALLETTA, Oct 14 (Reuters) - Two brothers on Friday admitted murdering Maltese anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017, in a remarkable turnaround on the first day of their trial.

Alfred and George Degiorgio had submitted "not guilty" pleas when the case opened earlier in the day, but after a lengthy break, their lawyers said they agreed to acknowledge guilt in exchange for a more lenient sentence.

Paul Caruana Galizia, one of the murdered journalist’s three sons, welcomed the move, describing it in a Tweet as "a break in the clouds".

Their guilty pleas means four people have now admitted to taking a part in the murder. A fifth man, local businessman Yorgen Fenech, is still in jail pending trial. Prosecutors believe he commissioned the killing, something he denies.

In an interview with Reuters earlier this year, George Degiorgio confessed to the crime. A lawyer for the brothers also said the two men were seeking a pardon in return for divulging "everything we know about other murders, bombs and crimes".

Their request for a pardon has not been accepted and the jury of five men and four women were instructed at the start of proceedings to consider only what they heard in the courtroom.

Caruana Galizia, 53, was a household name in Malta for her investigative reporting. Her killing on Oct. 16, 2017 raised questions about rule of law in the European Union's smallest member state.

During the morning session of the trial, prosecutors said the Degiorgios and another accomplice – Vincent Muscat – had originally planned to shoot Caruana Galizia but then procured a bomb which they placed in her car.

George Degiorgio set off the bomb from a yacht off Malta's coast as Alfred Degiorgio and Muscat acted as spotters. Muscat last year admitted his role in a plea bargain in return for information and is serving a 15-year prison term.

SECRET FUNDS

The Degiorgios and Muscat were arrested in December 2017 and have been behind bars since.

Much of the case was built around testimony and phone conversation recordings by the murder plot middle-man, Melvin Theuma, who was granted a presidential pardon in return for information late in 2019.

He alleged the plot was commissioned by Fenech, who led a consortium that was controversially awarded a government contract to build a power station in 2015.

Fenech was arrested in November 2019.

Caruana Galizia had revealed the existence of a secret company which allegedly was meant to funnel funds to Panama-registered companies belonging to then energy minister Konrad Mizzi and the government chief of staff Keith Schembri.

No evidence that money changed hands has been produced.

A Reuters investigation after her death had established that the company belonged to Fenech.

Fenech’s arrest led to the resignation of Schembri and Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. Both deny any involvement in the journalist’s murder and have not been prosecuted.

The fifth anniversary of the murder will be marked with a rally on Sunday which will be addressed by European Parliament president Roberta Metsola.

[tfgadgets]

Indian among at least six killed in mosque attack in Oman's Muscat | Latest News India

An Indian citizen is among at least six people killed in a shooting attack that targeted a Shiite mosque in Oman’s capital Muscat, the Indian embassy said on Tuesday. This image grab from a UGC video taken on July 16, 2024 shows shows people fleeing the scene of a shooting at the Imam Ali Mosque in the Al-Wadi Al-Kabir area in the east of Oman’s capital Muscat. (Photo by UGC / AFP) / RESTRICTED…

[lgchyejoo]

₊˚✧    ››    CRYSTALLIS MISSION 010  // homeplus cf

that morning, hyejoo arrives on set with a sense of trepidation that she hasn't felt in a while. she feels like this whenever there's something new, she's noticed, that sense of unease and worry that she won't do well enough, or that she'll fall below expectations in some way. she's always feared the unknown, so when she goes somewhere or does something unfamiliar the foreign nature covers her like an uncomfortable blanket, making her head filled with worries.

it's not that she's never shot a commercial before, but it's just that she's always done it in a group setting, with other people so that she wasn't the only one. and from what she heard about this cf, there aren't even any extras that could be on set to help cushion the stillness, just her ( and maybe a dog, is what the staff member said ).

but at least there's a dog, right? somehow just another living being in the shot makes her feel just a bit more at ease.

but the shoot is more comfortable than she expects, and once she gets past the initial awkwardness she finds herself relaxing into it. it's one with a relaxing vibe, where she's eating grapes and making a cake. maybe it's easier because she's doing a hobby that she already likes, and her lines are barely just whispers. even as she shoots the cf, she feels like this suits her, and it makes her worries about not doing well a little bit better. there's a sense of softness and tranquility that she likes. as she puts the icing on the cake and decorates it with shine muscats, she finds herself relaxing into what she's doing, following the director's vision and trying to have fun, because who knows when she'll get an opportunity like this again.

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 1.30 (after 1940)

1942 – World War II: Japanese forces invade the island of Ambon in the Dutch East Indies. Some 300 captured Allied troops are killed after the surrender. One-quarter of the remaining POWs remain alive at the end of the war. 1944 – World War II: The Battle of Cisterna, part of Operation Shingle, begins in central Italy. 1945 – World War II: The Wilhelm Gustloff, overfilled with German refugees, sinks in the Baltic Sea after being torpedoed by a Soviet submarine, killing approximately 9,500 people. 1945 – World War II: Raid at Cabanatuan: One hundred and twenty-six American Rangers and Filipino resistance fighters liberate over 500 Allied prisoners from the Japanese-controlled Cabanatuan POW camp. 1948 – British South American Airways' Tudor IV Star Tiger disappears over the Bermuda Triangle. 1948 – Following the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in his home compound, India's prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, broadcasts to the nation, saying "The light has gone out of our lives". The date of the assassination becomes observed as "Martyrs' Day" in India. 1956 – In the United States, Civil Rights Movement leader Martin Luther King Jr.'s home is bombed in retaliation for the Montgomery bus boycott. 1959 – The forces of the Sultanate of Muscat occupy the last strongholds of the Imamate of Oman, Saiq and Shuraijah, marking the end of Jebel Akhdar War in Oman. 1959 – MS Hans Hedtoft, specifically designed to operate in icebound seas, strikes an iceberg on her maiden voyage and sinks, killing all 95 aboard. 1960 – The African National Party is founded in Chad, through the merger of traditionalist parties. 1964 – In a bloodless coup, General Nguyễn Khánh overthrows General Dương Văn Minh's military junta in South Vietnam. 1968 – Vietnam War: Tet Offensive launch by forces of the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army against South Vietnam, the United States, and their allies. 1969 – The Beatles' last public performance, on the roof of Apple Records in London. The impromptu concert is broken up by the police. 1972 – The Troubles: Bloody Sunday: British paratroopers open fire on anti-internment marchers in Derry, Northern Ireland, killing 13 people; another person later dies of injuries sustained. 1972 – Pakistan leaves the Commonwealth of Nations in protest of its recognition of breakaway Bangladesh. 1974 – Pan Am Flight 806 crashes near Pago Pago International Airport in American Samoa, killing 97. 1975 – The Monitor National Marine Sanctuary is established as the first United States National Marine Sanctuary. 1979 – A Varig Boeing 707-323C freighter, flown by the same commander as Flight 820, disappears over the Pacific Ocean 30 minutes after taking off from Tokyo. 1982 – Richard Skrenta writes the first PC virus code, which is 400 lines long and disguised as an Apple boot program called "Elk Cloner". 1989 – The American embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan is closed. 1995 – Hydroxycarbamide becomes the first approved preventive treatment for sickle cell disease. 2000 – Kenya Airways Flight 431 crashes into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Ivory Coast, killing 169. 2006 – The Goleta postal facility shootings occur, killing seven people before the perpetrator took her own life. 2013 – Naro-1 becomes the first carrier rocket launched by South Korea. 2020 – The World Health Organization declares the COVID-19 pandemic to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

[gettatranslations]

Rose Fairy Yumigeta Ako (23.09.21)

Good evening🌝

I'm Yumigeta Ako🛑

Thank you very much for your comments yesterday！

Firstly saury！

I was surprised by how many methods you told me to remove the bones that I'd never heard beforeー！！！

The main answer was 「Put the saury on your plate and remove the spine」

Mama wanted to try it so she bought more saury today、but just enough for herself。

Also things you used to like！

Gundam was popular of course！

Gundam… is something I really don't know anything about…

But my dad likes them and just from what you all said they seem really amazing〜 I wonder where I could see some〜

Please let me know if you have any recommended series！

And one more thing！

In yesterday's blog I mentioned 「Green grapes」、but they were actually Shine Muscat grapes！

There are so many varieties of green grapes〜How Shocking〜

Everyone have you already watched our MV？！

I love it so much because the lyrics reference so many other songs so it feels really nostalgic but also representative of us！

My favourite part is

The rap before the 2nd verse where lyrics from The☆Peace! are included！

The dance is really cool too〜💃

Every moment is cool so you need to watch it closely during our LIVE performances…！

Now for a story about me

This was taken at the official shoot✨

I think some people may have noticed yesterday…

But I have a mole on my stomach〜◦

It's really noticeable！In this photo！

It's right in the centre of my stomach and fairly large which is rare so I think it's one of my charm points✌️

Please keep an eye out for it when I wear this costume〜🤣

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Well then it's time for today's 【Gettaa Life】✨

Today I have thisー！

Lookie Lookie！

I found these potato crisps the other day！

These were really、really delicious！

They were a pretty basic flavour with a really strong taste of wasabi！

They also used katsuobushi so they tasted really Japanese which was amazing♪

Personally I think this might be my favourite flavour of potato crisps！

I want to try dipping them in soy sauce too…

Speaking of which the same store just so happened to be selling soy sauce today。

Maybe I'll try it next time I visit…！

I Getted 「New Potato Crisp Flavour」✨

I also wanna eat ready salted ones〜❗️

It was my first time eating potato crisps in ages、and I was surprised by how delicious they were〜

Everyone please try them if you see them anywhere！

That's all！This has been 【Gettaa Life】！

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T/N News and information has not been translated

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The tiny flowers that are decorating our kitchen table have wilted recentlyー！

Maybe we should get some cute new flowers💐

Speaking of flowers…

I personally believe that the flower that best represents me is definitely the rose！！！！！！

Aren't I rosey？！

Like how I'm so passionate💃Ole

Everyone what flower do you think represents you？？？？

I'm interested because I bet it'll vary so much from person to person！

But I only accept roses

Well then I'll see you tomorrow！

This has been YumiGettaa Ako！Good night🌹

[ogicsub]

BEGINNERS GUIDE TO GROWING GRAPES IN OKLAHOMA

If you want to start a vineyard or produce your own wines, you should learn about growing grapes in Oklahoma. As is the case when cultivating any crop, there is much to consider to ensure the success of your grape-growing endeavor. Here are a few steps that can help when starting a vineyard.

6 Essential Steps for Growing Grapes in Oklahoma

Step 1: Select a Planting Site

If you frequently go on wine tours or travel Oklahoma vineyards, you may have noticed that these places share some similarities regarding their vineyard setup. That is because selecting the right location is essential to ensure the long-term success of a vineyard. Before you start planting anything in your planned vineyard, consider the:

Climate. What is the average temperature in each season? How often does it rain?

Soil. How quickly does the soil drain? Can this affect moisture around the root zone?

Slope. Is there a slope in the area? How will this impact the sunlight and drainage?

Step 2: Select a Grape Variety

Many grape varieties thrive in Oklahoma vineyards near me, so there is sure to be a perfect option for your vineyard. If you want to produce red wine, consider growing:

Cabernet Sauvignon.

Chambourcin.

Merlot.

Sangiovese.

Shiraz/Syrah.

Tempranillo.

Zinfandel.

If your vineyard will primarily produce grapes for white wines, you may want to grow:

Chardonnay.

Muscat Blanc.

Riesling.

Seyval Blanc.

Traminette.

Vignoles.

In addition to these varieties, a range of hybrid grapes grow well in Oklahoma’s climate.

Step 3: Preparing for Planting

Once you know what grapes to plant and where to put them, it is time to begin preparing your vineyard. This step may begin around a year before you start planting, as you must prepare the area by:

Cultivating the soil.

Killing weeds and reducing pests.

Making changes based on soil tests.

Marking your rows.

This process takes a lot of work, but that effort will pay off.

Step 4: Planting the Grapes

After the area is prepared, you can begin planting your grapes at the end of winter or early spring (depending on the grape variety and the area’s climate). Once you have planted the bare-rooted plants and have tied them to a training stake, you should keep them watered, weeded, and free from pests and diseases.

Depending on the grape variety, your intended use of the grapes, and the area’s slope, you may need to construct a trellis for a support system. However, this can often wait until the summer or fall, once the grapevines have grown larger. In addition to making your harvest easier, a trellis can help keep the vines away from small animals.

Step 5: Pruning and Maintenance

Once you start noticing growth on your vines, it can be tempting to let them grow freely until it is time to harvest. However, you will still need to wait to enjoy the rewards of your efforts; grapes can only grow on vines that are at least one year old. Once you reach that point, you will focus on regular maintenance.

Pruning will ensure that new growth develops. The vines will be dormant from December through March, making it the perfect time to prune them. Prime your plants for new growth by:

Cutting each vine back to one or two canes.

Trimming each cane until it has between two and eight buds.

Removing all but the two strongest shoots when growth resumes.

Occasionally pruning back more when needed.

At this point, only the main trunks and year-old growth should remain. Do not hesitate at this step; most places you see when visiting “Oklahoma vineyards near me” cut off more of the vines than they leave.

Of course, when growing grapes in Oklahoma, maintenance goes beyond pruning. Make sure that your plants are well-watered and free from weeds. Watch out for disease and pests, and have a plan in place for what to do if damage occurs. Also, consider fertilizing your grapevines.

Step 6: Harvest and Post-Harvest

The grapes will begin to ripen in July; this period is known as “Veraison.” At this step, keep focusing on maintenance, but start preparing for the harvest season. This may occur in late summer or early fall, depending on your grape variety. After your grapes have been harvested, the vines will go dormant, allowing you to repeat the process once it is time to prune your plants again.

Interested in Visiting Oklahoma Vineyards Near Me?

Whether you are starting your own business or want to enjoy homemade wines from plants grown in your backyard, starting a vineyard is a fun and fulfilling experience. To learn more about growing grapes in our state or to find exciting places to visit when you travel Oklahoma vineyards, get in touch with OGIC.

[lytlockyoutrip]

9 Exciting Things To Do On Your Trip With Customized Singapore Tour Packages

Off the coast of Malaysia, the city-state of Singapore is stunning. Singapore serves as a gateway to the nations of Southeast Asia and receives a vast number of tourists every year. Because of the experiences it provides, it is a popular vacation spot with people all over the world. One can engage in a wide variety of activities here. Swimming and other water sports are available at the beaches, and Sentosa and Universal Studios both offer exhilarating rides. In addition to this, one can also stroll through the nearby neighbourhoods. One of them is Kampong Glam, and the amazing things to do in Kampong Glam are listed below. Continue reading to find out what you can do during your trip with our Customized Singapore Tour Packages.

Singapore's Kampong Glam is a quiet district that is located on the north Singapore River. It is frequently referred to as the Malay-Muslim quarter and is situated in Rochor's planning district. Check out the activities that you can do here.

9 Best Things To Do In Singapore

1. Masjid Sultan

Visit Masjid Sultan on Muscat Street if you're looking for things to do in Kampong Glam. It is located in Singapore's Kampong Glam neighbourhood. It is a magnificent sight. The mosque's construction lasted four years and featured minarets and balustrades in its design. This building's architecture is in the Indo-Saracenic style. It was declared to be a national monument in 1975, and it is now one. If you visit Kampong Glam, be sure to include it in your city tour. After you visit this place with our Customized Singapore Tour Packages. you can go to one of the upscale cafes that are located close to the mosque.

2. Arab Street

A top activity in Kampong Glam is strolling around Arab Street. On a cool Singaporean evening, you should stroll around this area. The tranquil atmosphere of this place is enhanced by the Masjid Sultan on Muscat Street. It is a great location for clothing shopping. Arab Street is home to some incredible fabric stores. In addition, if one wants to unwind, there are some massage clinics nearby. When visiting Singapore, make sure to visit this street and stay for a lovely evening. The Haji Lane and Bali Lane are additional areas to explore in this area. Here, you might find some oddball items to bring home that you wouldn't find anywhere else.

3. Haji Lane

This lane offers everything for leisure time, from charming cafes to breathtaking murals. Even the crowd is quite diverse in this location, with young photographers, middle-aged women lounging around in casual undresses, and hipsters browsing eccentric accessory shops. Photographers are drawn to colourful backgrounds and wall graffiti for great photo shoots. Haji Lane is one of Singapore's well-known historical sites that you shouldn't miss. The Malay and Muslim native population still call the picturesque Masjid Sultan in the Kampong Glam District home. In addition, there are antique record stores and quaint cafes here where visitors can take a peaceful break from the busy street.

4. Malay Heritage Centre

A must-do in Kampong Glam is a trip to the renowned Malay Heritage Centre. This location is a popular and important tourist destination because it gives visitors a glimpse into the way of life and culture of the former Malay community that once resided in Singapore. It has a number of exhibits that provide insightful information. Here, you can stay for up to an hour. If you are a heritage lover then you should add this place to your Customized Singapore Tour Packages.

5. Polar Bear Gallery

Visit this hidden gem in Kampong Glam if you enjoy art in general or Studio Ghibli in particular. The Polar Bear includes some of Ghibli's finest creations, including hand-drawn movie prints that will astound you. Make sure to set aside 40 to 45 minutes of your trip to visit this place.

6. Jamal Kazura Aromatics

Located around Arab Street, Jamal Kazura Aromatics offer some of the finest perfume oils in Singapore. Not just for collecting new finds but you can also visit this place to get your old bottles refilled and treat your senses to some really refreshing and scintillating fragrances.

7. Malabar Mosque

The Malabar Mosque, which is on Victoria Street, was constructed from 1956 to 1963. But it took until 1995 for the construction of its beautiful facade to be finished. The tiny hexagonal tiles, which will immediately catch your attention, are largely responsible for its grandeur. Even though it's not a particularly large attraction, spending 15 to 20 minutes there will brighten your day.

8. Sri Sivan Temple

It is one of Singapore's most famous Hindu temples and is devoted to Lord Shiva. This magnificent structure was built at a staggering cost of $6 million. Before settling permanently on Geylang Avenue in Singapore, the temple was relocated three times. This house of worship is exceptional in terms of its design, amenities, and features because it brilliantly combines the two most well-known Indian architectural styles. The intricate carvings on the temple's exterior were made by Indian artisans who were hired to do the work. Every spiritual lover should visit this place once in their life with our Customized Singapore Tour Packages.

9. Waterway Point

Waterway Point is a mall with lots of shops and game centres. You will also find some delectable foods while shopping for various items. The majority of the stalls stock high-quality goods. Most products have very affordable prices that are accessible to the average person. This store sells a variety of designer clothing. The experience of spending time in this mall would be fantastic. This mall also has a movie theatre. In addition to the daytime, Punggol offers a variety of nighttime activities. There are lots of pubs and nightclubs in this mall which tour you can add to our Customized Singapore Tour Packages.

    Read More:-    Tour packages || Exotic tour packages || Popular tour destinations || Family-friendly tour packages || Camping tour packages || Corporate tour packages ||Romantic tour packages || Trekking tour packages || India tour packages || Honeymoon India tour packages || Popular Singapore tour destinations || Customized Singapore tour packages

Call US:- 9355-53-3360

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[laurainthemiddleeast]

Amman

Joelle was a champ through our rather harrowing drive through the fog to Amman, but we got in late and just crashed after ordering cocktails to the room. We prioritized eating street food in Amman, and took a dedicated tour; it started out with a trip to the citadel. We both really enjoyed the tour there, much more than we expected to. There were ancient Roman Ruins later taken over and adapted by Muslims, and you can see evidence of both groups in the ruins. There was a large statue of Hercules (similar in size to the statue of David) outside the temple there at one point. A decent portion of the temple is still remaining, but only the elbow and hand of the statue are left to see. Our guide was hilarious. He made us do a full on photo shoot at every location we went to, and really directed us trying to get some artsy shots. At the end we visited a museum of all these ancient statues and artifacts found at the citadel, and Joelle and I couldn’t get over how you were just able to touch most of them (of course we wouldn’t). They were just sitting out, no glass, no ropes, no nothing. Wild!

After that we visited a Roman Amphitheatre that is remarkably well preserved. It sat 6000 people and it was super impressive to stand in. The stairs are very steep, almost vertical! Our guide had these delicious drinks waiting for us outside when we were done. It’s called Sahlab, and is a sort of thin milk pudding. It’s made with milk, sugar, starch from an orchid plant to thicken in, pistachios, and cinnamon. Absolutely delicious. 10/10 would eat again.

From there we proceeded to the Blue Mosque. We had to dress in a hijab/floor length dress to enter. Joelle got this one piece that made her look a bit like one of the Maesters in Game of thrones, while I got a headscarf more similar to what I usually think of. The mosque was beautiful and the domes were covered in blue tiles. The ceiling inside was particularly pretty, with stained glass and a huge chandelier.

After that, we proceeded to eat and eat and eat. We both ate so much we were literally sick to our stomachs. Our first stop was Hashem, a restaurant that has been around since 1953. We had the best falafel either of us had ever had; pita and hummus and an eggplant dip; hummus with sumac, chickpeas, and fried pieces of pita; and Ful, which is fava beans cooked with spices. We actually saw it at breakfast on the first day, but it was translated/labelled “Foul Beans” which didn’t seem so appealing at the time 😂.

After that we had Knafeh again, cane juice, coffee with cardamom, and a shawarma. All delicious except the cane juice which tasted “like raw corn smells” as per Joelle. We also stopped at a spice market and bought some candies to eat later. I saw these candied hibiscus which I was very excited for, but they actually just tasted like raisins. We also chose these orange jelly looking things, which tasted terrible. I’m retrospect, I wonder if they were maybe actually soap 🤷🏻‍♀️.

We were so full we felt physically ill, and had to go lie down at the hotel for a little bit. We went to the spa and tried to nap for our late night flight. (The only real direct flight to Muscat left at 0225 and arrived at 645). It was the weirdest flight for a number of reasons. It was only 3h and in the middle of the night, yet they left the lights on, fed us a full meal (Joelle ate TWO!) and didn’t really allow us to sleep. There were also kids running all over the plane, and their mothers totally ignored the flight attendants who asked them to keep them in their seats. The poor flight attendant had to physically chase them down, put them back in seats, and buckle them in repeatedly. I predict naps in our future today.